Some Ironman inspiration…
The triathlon community on Twitter is an amazing thing, which has led to some fantastic contacts and connections for me around the world, and also a bit closer to home in New Zealand. Stu, aka @No_More_Shadows on Twitter, just sent me this from the Ironman website - I’m going to post it in front of my computer so I can come back to it every day.
The Ironman will try and psyche you out and wear you down over the course of the year. If you know what to expect then each swing Ironman takes at you will have less effect. The way ironman can beat you is with self doubt. If your self doubt gets to a point where you decide not to take on the challenge then Ironman has beaten you. This is where it beats most people even before they even get close to the start line. The first self doubt weapon is in the form of other people. They will constantly either tell you or imply that “you can’t do it” when they have no idea if you can or not. They will tell you “it is a long way” which is not rocket science. They will tell you they had a friend who has done Ironman and make them out to be much better than you. If they have done it themselves and are really self absorbed they will even imply how much better they are than you. The other even more deadly weapon is Ironman intimidating you directly. This will be you telling yourself you cannot possibly do something like that. What where you thinking? Are you insane? Don’t tell anyone or they will laugh, your not good enough, etc. This is all ironman trickery and not true at all. Be ready for it and know that this is what prevents everyone else from taking on the challenge.
A fantastic piece that I know will provide endless inspiration.
Stu’s on an amazing journey. You can check out his blog here http://no-more-shadows.blogspot.com/2009/01/journey.html He started riding in January 2005 after a health shock when he clocked in at 120kg. He’s now down dozens of major cycling events, including the Round Taupo maxi enduro and he’s on track for his first Ironman on March 6 next year. And from the photos on his webpage, I’d suggest he’s probably half of his former self.
I can’t wait to be at Ironman to cheer Stu and all the other first-timers on. After all, it will be me exactly 12 months after that!
Tags: inspiration, Ironman